South Dakota Security Guard Practice Exam

What is the best course of action to take when you find people stuck in an elevator, after hours late in the evening?

1. Locate the elevator, reassure the occupants and call the elevator service company

2. Call 911

3. Attempt to force the doors open and rescue the trapped occupants

4. Call the site property manager and ask for instructions

The correct answer is: Locate the elevator, reassure the occupants and call the elevator service company

When individuals are trapped in an elevator, particularly late in the evening when fewer staff members are available, the most suitable response involves locating the elevator to assess the situation directly. Reassurance is vital for those inside, as it helps to keep them calm during a potentially distressing experience. By communicating with the occupants, you can gather information about their situation, such as whether anyone is injured or if there are other emergencies. Calling the elevator service company is essential since they specialize in resolving elevator malfunctions and can rapidly dispatch help. This ensures that the trapped individuals receive assistance from trained professionals who can safely and effectively facilitate their release from the elevator. It's critical to prioritize the safety of the individuals inside the elevator over untested methods of extraction, which could cause injury or further complications. In contrast, immediate action such as calling 911 may not be necessary unless there are indications of a medical emergency or serious injury. Forcing the doors open can be extremely dangerous and is not advisable, as it can lead to injury to both the security personnel and the occupants. Contacting the site property manager is also not the best option in this scenario, as it may delay the response and could prevent timely assistance for those stuck in the elevator.